Issue - meetings

Report of the Service Lead for Children's Social Care updating the Panel on services for care leavers in Southampton, attached.

The Panel considered the report of the Service Lead, Children’s Social Care updating the Panel on services for Care Leavers.

Councillor Lewzey, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care; Hilary Brooks, Service Director for Children and Families Services; and Jane White, Service Lead for Children’s Social Care were in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.

The Panel particularly noted the following points:-

• The percentage of care leavers who were in contact with social services was approaching 100%; the NEET figure had been decreasing but needed to improve further; the percentage of care leavers in suitable accommodation had improved.
• Some Care Leavers had complex emotional needs and needed support to become ready for employment, education, training or apprenticeships. Pathways advisors were supporting Care Leavers to make good decisions.

RESOLVED:

(i)    That the Panel be provided with a breakdown identifying the length of time care leavers who were NEET had been out of education, employment or training;

(ii)    That the Panel be provided with the number of care leavers currently working as an apprentice at the Council;

(iii)    That, to support rising aspirations for LAC, success stories demonstrating what care leavers from Southampton could achieve be promoted;

(iv)  That consideration be given to supporting ‘taster sessions’ for looked after children where they were provided with the opportunity to try different occupations prior to leaving care.